Cyclone Remal Intensifies, expected to move northwards
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Dharamshala: Cyclone Remal, currently brewing in the Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a “severe” cyclonic storm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A severe cyclonic storm is characterized by wind speeds of 85-95 km/hr. The IMD’s latest bulletin reported that Cyclone Remal is positioned over the northern Bay of Bengal and is expected to move northwards, potentially intensifying further.
The cyclone is projected to make landfall around Sunday midnight between the Sagar Islands in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh. Due to this impending landfall, flight operations at Kolkata airport are suspended until 9 am on Monday. Additionally, several train services between Howrah and Singur, as well as those originating from Howrah and Bandel in the Howrah division, will remain suspended until Sunday midnight, as announced by Eastern Railways.
This marks the second consecutive cyclone to impact Bangladesh, following Cyclone Mocha, which caused significant destruction last May. The IMD has issued warnings of heavy rainfall, gale-force winds, and a storm surge about one metre above the astronomical tide, which could inundate low-lying areas in the Sagar Islands, Khepupara, and surrounding regions as the cyclone makes landfall.
As of the latest update, Cyclone Remal is located 290 km south-southwest of Khepupara, 330 km south of Mongla in Bangladesh, and 270 km south-southeast of the Sagar Islands in West Bengal. The cyclone is expected to bring extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 200 mm, affecting North and South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Howrah, and Hooghly districts in West Bengal until Monday.
Authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to take necessary precautions and stay informed through official channels. Emergency services are on high alert, and preparations are underway to mitigate the impact of the cyclone.
